I am thinking of flying to Athens with my boyfriend and going to some mainland beaches and resorts. I heard they were much cheaper and less touristy. Can anyone recommend some places. I want to do this for 1 week and one of the Islands via ferry for the 2nd. I am travelling from Ireland & would love any feedback.<BR><BR>Thanks!

Hi,<BR><BR>I do not know a lot about Greece, but I have read that there are great beaches on the west coast south of Patras around Pirgos. I have been to the Pilion Pennisula and loved it. It is quite greeen in this area. Of coarse it is mountaineous and the water comes from Mt. Olympus. The beaches are white tiny peices of marble and the water was so clean and refreshing. You can hike the hills and drink the water as it flows. The food in this area was wonderful. I have also read about resorts near Thessaloniki. Have a wonderful time.

Where on the penninsula did you stay? (hotels, towns etc)? I heard Athens was a place to fly into and get out of Straight away. I have only been on a package holiday to Corfu and I have no interest in doing this again. It was ok but full of Drunk 21 year olds at night in the discos. Not my scene anymore!

if you want to combine mainland and one island I suggest the southern Peloponnese, which has lovely beaches - mostly sandy around Gythion, and pebbly on the Mani side, but all of them beautiful. There is also lots of history - Byzantine chapels, castles. I would recommend Lela's taverna in Kardamyli as a great spot ot stay if you want some peace and quiet, and a really friendly hostess who cooks superb meals. And it is still quite cheap without being tacky; though I would say the cheapest places are still the overdeveloped islands which are always desperate to fill their hundreds of identical rooms.<BR>From Gythion in the Peloponnese you can catch a ferry to Kastelli (also called Kissamos) in western Crete, though they don't go every day. Here, you will find amazing sandy beaches (eg Elafonisi, or Balos) but full of people.<BR><BR>You can see my review of Lela's taverna on this url: <BR>http://www.i-escape.com/hotel.php?hotel_key=GR017<BR><BR>The website also contains lots of info about Greece generally (ferry times, other places to stay etc).<BR><BR>Good luck! Wherever you go I am sure you'll have loads of fun.

Anyone elsewith any other ideas in Greece, I would go to the islands but I am not looking for an Aya Napa type holiday. I'm looking for good food, sun, relations and a beautiful place with dsome excursions or watersports! Thanks guys above for the hints I am looking into them now. Anyone know about Epirius? There was an article about it in the Sunday Times (UK) a few weeks ago.<BR>Thanks!

Hi Susan,<BR><BR>We stayed at a Capt George hotel in St. John's (Ayious Ioannis) on the Pelion. The owner speaks English as he worked in the US for many years. You need a car to get to this area. I think the cost of the hotel was about $60 USdollars a night. When we were there, early July, there were very few people. I think there were only about 6 people on the beach. From here you can take the ferry from Volos to islands on the east coast. I understand that these islands are greener and more traveled by the Greek. Skiathos,Skiros are a couple of the Sporades Islands. I had read an article on the Pelion, and decided to go for a day or two. We just drove and found a place to stay. Therefore I did not do a lot of research and do not have a lot of knowledge. The drive there is very curvy without any guard rails. I thought it was a lot more scary than the Amalfi. Michael has wonderful suggestions also. Whatever you decide yu will have fun.

Thanks Sue! What was your favourite part of the trip? any day trips I should take?

ttt

Hi Sue<BR>I have been leading walking and nature trips in Epirus for over 10 years and know it inside out.<BR>For an intro you can read the brief guide I wrote on <BR><BR>http://www.i-escape.com/destination_guide_results.php?page=4&liveregion=Ma inland&country=Greece<BR><BR>Cut and paste this url (or if it doesn't work go to i-escape.com and navigate).<BR><BR>Michael

I just got back from Greece and I would recommend the southwestern Peloponnese. I stayed in the area around Pylos and it was wonderful! Pylos is situated on a beautiful bay and the people there are very nice. I'm going back next year!